-Japan 1890 Meiji Period Decorative Vase In Cloisonné Enamel With Wood Base

Japanese vase from the Meiji Period (1868-1912).

Beautiful antique decorative vase, created in Japan during the Meiji period (1868-1912), circa 1890s. It was carefully crafted in solid bronze with copper wires and embellished with applications of polychromatic cloisonné enamel with aventurine and gold flakes, depicting organics and natural motifs such a phoenix bird, a mythic dragon and flowers.

Weight: 240.95 Grams, (0.53 Pounds).

Measurements: Diameter of 89 mm, height of 114 mm (3.5 x 4.5 Inches).

The Meiji Period

This era of Japanese history that extended from October 23, 1868 to July 30, 1912.The Meiji era was the first half of the Empire of Japan, when the Japanese people moved from being an isolated feudal society at risk of colonization by Western powers to the new paradigm of a modern, industrialized nation state and emergent great power, influenced by Western scientific, technological, philosophical, political, legal, and aesthetic ideas. As a result of such wholesale adoption of radically different ideas, the changes to Japan were profound, and affected its social structure, internal politics, economy, military, and foreign relations. The period corresponded to the reign of Emperor Meiji. It was preceded by the Keiō era and was succeeded by the Taishō era, upon the accession of Emperor Taishō.

Cloisonné 

This is an enameling technique in which the pattern is formed by wires soldered to the surface of the object to be decorated, which is usually made from copper, forming cells or cloisons, each of which holds a single colour of enamel paste which is then fired, and ground and polished. The champlevé technique also uses an enameling technique, but the cells are formed by carving into the surface ot the object, or in the casting. The cloisonné technique has been in use since the 12th century BC in the west, but the technique did not reach China until the 13th or 14th century. It became popular in China in the 18th century. Initially bronze or brass bodies were used, and in the 19th century copper, at which time the quality of th eitems produced began to decline. Chinese cloisonné is the best known enamel cloisonné, though the Japanese produced large quantities from the mid-19th century, of very high technical quality. In the west the cloisonné technique was revived in the mid 19th century following imports from China, and its use continued in the Art Nouveau and Art Deco periods.

Phoenix

This mythical bird-like creature combines elements of several different animals, birds and fish. It is said to appear only at times of enlightened rule, making it a symbol of peace and stability. Is also a symbol of good fortune and divine wisdom, the phoenix is believed to appear only in times of peace and prosperity bringing with it a message of hope and rebirth. In Japanese culture it also represents the goddess Amaterasu. A sun deity whose presence evokes the vital energy of the sun itself.

Collateral: It is accompanied by a carved wood base from the period.

Condition: The overall condition of this vase is excellent. Beside the little normal wear, there is no damage to the enamel. All parts are secured in the settings. This vase has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and authenticity.

INVENTORY REF: D030824XMNN/.5623